Billy Tarpley – Arkansas State Dental Association

ADA launches toolkit to support dentists in Medicaid participation

Billy Tarpley on October 14, 2025

Reprinted from ADA Morning Huddle, Tuesday, October 14, 2025:

The ADA Practice Institute is launching a new resource aimed at helping dentists deliver care to Medicaid patients while maintaining financial viability. Recognizing that Medicaid participation often presents significant operational and reimbursement challenges, the Medicaid Financial Sustainability Toolkit: An Operational Guide for Dentists Wishing to Treat Medicaid Beneficiaries is designed to support dentists who are committed to serving underserved populations but need effective and operational strategies to do so sustainably. Additionally, the Association has published the Medicaid dental fee-for-service rates for every state, now available at ADA.org/medicaidfeeschedules. This resource is for any dentist evaluating the financial landscape of participating in Medicaid within their state. Read more
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Obituary: Dr. James E. Duke, ADA Member for 62 Years

Billy Tarpley on October 7, 2025

Dr. James E. Duke passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025. Born in Prescott, AR on November 9, 1930 he was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Ruby Duke, his brother, Roy Duke, Jr. and his loving wife of 70 years, Emma Stockton Duke. He is survived by his daughters, Jane Elizabeth Duke and her friend, David Andrews, Kelly Duke Torrans and son-in-law Ward Torrans, Dr. Carol Ann Duke and son-in-law David Duke, grandchildren Ashley Jean Giles Coleman, Merrit Duke Giles, Coleman Torrans and his wife Annie and great grandchildren Penelope Lee Giles, Marty Torrans and Louis Torrans.

Dr. Duke graduated from Prescott High School in 1948, attended Ouachita College for two years where he was a member of the Rho Sigma (Red Shirts), and then attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated from Fayetteville with a degree in zoology and chemistry and received a commission in the Air Force in May of 1952, having previously served in the Arkansas National Guard from November of 1946 until November of 1949. He always liked to tell people that he was an E-6 (S/Sgt) when he was only 17 years old. Dr. Duke’s first job was with Ross Laboratories until he was called to active duty in the Air Force, where he served as a Navigator for four years. After active duty, he returned to Ross Laboratories until going to the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. While in Dental School Dr. Duke served in the Air Force Reserve and was recalled to active duty during the Cuban Crisis of 1962. He paid his way through dental school with the G.I. Bill while flying in the Air Force Reserve.

Dr. Duke finished first in his class in dental school, served as the Grand Master of the Delta Sigma Dental Fraternity, was a member of the Richard Dean Honorary Odontological Society, and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society. Upon completion of dental school, he was recalled and served two years active duty as a dentist in the Air Force. Dr. Duke joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1970 and retired in 1990 as a Full Colonel after commanding a number of Reserve Dental units and having served over 44 years in the military. Of all the awards he earned during that time, he is most proud of the Legion of Merit which is awarded for performing outstanding service, demonstrating exceptional conduct, performing service in a key position, and performing service in a manner that is clearly exceptional.

Jim and Emma moved to Texarkana, AR in 1965 to raise their girls and start his private dental practice. He served 3 terms on the TASD Board of Education, served on the Texarkana Airport Authority, Chairman of the Easter Seals, Chamber of Commerce Board, Board of North Ridge Country Club, and on the Texarkana Arkansas Education Foundation. Dr. Duke was a 32nd Mason and a Shriner. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a Tennessee Squire. He was a lifetime member of the Arkansas State Dental Association, MOAA, ROA, American Legion, lifetime member of the University of Arkansas Alumni Association, a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Jim was an avid Razorback fan – both high school and university. He really loved horse racing, having been a partner in the Red River Stud stable and playing the horses for over 60 years. His proudest moments in horse racing were having his namesake, Dr. Spanky win 14 races in his career and Colonel Buckwheat win his first race at Oaklawn Park, paying in excess of $60.

Daddy wanted us to be sure and include this P.S.:

Some people may wonder if there is a Heaven. I know there is because I have lived there all my life. I was born to wonderful parents and had a brother that I adored because he and I were blood brothers and bone brothers. He had a bone from my leg placed in his back when we were children. I have had a wonderful wife since I was 23 years old – we were sweethearts on earth and now we are sweethearts in Heaven. I have three beautiful daughters that I am very proud of, three wonderful grandchildren and three precious great grandchildren. I received a very good education; the military allowed me to serve for 44 years. I made many friends during my school years, my military service and while living in Texarkana. I have enjoyed good health. What else could a person ask for? YES, there is a Heaven – I have been there all my life. James E. Duke, D.D.S., COL AUS Ret[1] .

The Family will receive friends at Texarkana Funeral Home-Arkansas Chapel at 10:00 am on Friday, October 10th followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. Following the Celebration of Life, friends are invited to join the family at the home of Ward and Kelly Torrans to share stories and memories of our Papa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 OR

Shriners Children’s Hospital, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103

Reality vs. Hype: Medicaid Advantage and Dental Benefits

Billy Tarpley on September 23, 2025

From ADA:

As Medicare Advantage dental coverage continues to grow, the ADA is highlighting current data around supplemental dental benefits for both dentists and patients. 8% of Medicare Advantage television ads highlight Medicare Advantage dental coverage, yet only 8% of plans across the United States offered comprehensive dental benefits.

While seniors choose from 35 plans on average per county, only one or two plans offer comprehensive dental benefits. Additionally, the variation of plans and changes to benefits from year-to-year create undue administrative burden on dental offices while shortchanging coverage for patients.

The ADA has created this PDF infographic to identify current gaps in perception of MA coverage, ascertain what’s gone wrong with these plans, and to briefly address their legislative and administrative plans to address these issues.

Obituary: Dr. Marvin D. Loyd, Past ASDA President and ADA Member for 50 Years

Billy Tarpley on July 17, 2025

Dr. Marvin Dale Loyd of Lake Village, Arkansas died July 14, 2025, at age 92, after having lived a full and generous life of service. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 72 years, Marilynn Nisler Loyd. He was born on December 3, 1932, in Little Rock, Arkansas and predeceased by parents Dale Claude and Frances Elizabeth Pearson Loyd, sister Jane Loyd Chesshir, and brother William Pearson Loyd.

Marvin graduated from McGehee, Arkansas High School in 1950, Hendrix College in 1953, and University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, DDS, in 1956. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve (1955-1961), including active duty in the U.S. Navy (1956 – 1958). He continued his military service with the Arkansas Army National Guard (1961-1979), commanding two medical units, followed by service in the U.S. Army Reserve until his retirement as a Colonel in 1993. A graduate of the Army War College, he held senior roles in military dental services, including with the Office of the Surgeon General.

Marilynn and Marvin moved to Lake Village, Arkansas in 1958, and became deeply involved in the community and Methodist church. He served and received recognition from Lakeside United Methodist Church, the Little Rock Annual Conference, Perkins School of Theology-SMU, World Methodist Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, UM General Boad of Global Ministries, UMC Hospitals Revitalization Program Core Group, and others.

While Marvin was in private practice of general dentistry for 50 years and active in numerous professional dental organizations throughout his career, including the Arkansas State Dental Association having served as state President in 1979-80. He became involved in mission work in Haiti, serving with Hospital de Bienfaisance de Pignon, where he was honored with a Hall of Honor induction and a Distinguished Service Award. He also held leadership roles with Christian Mission of Pignon, Inc. from 1996 until the time of his passing. After closing his private practice, he provided dental care for the Arkansas Department of Corrections for nine years. Besides his private practice and mission involvement, Marvin’s business affiliations included AQ Enterprises, Inc., TCBY Enterprises, Inc., First State Bank of Lake Village, and Bank of Lake Village.

Marvin was a long-standing member of Island 82 Hunting Club. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family, sharing his love of the outdoors and a family tradition of hunting. He is survived by son Gregory Marvin Loyd (Marta) of Mount Ida, Arkansas, daughter Nancy Loyd Rieves (Ralph Summerford) of Birmingham, Alabama, grandchildren Grace Rieves Humber (David) of Birmingham, Alabama, Susan Loyd McDonald (Jason) of Little Rock, Loyd Nisler Rieves (Deeann) of Nashville, Tennessee, Scott Martin Loyd (Krista) of Tulsa, and Bryan Gregory Loyd (Taryn) of Tontitown, Arkansas.

Marvin had ten great-grandchildren-Hammond Humber; Annie, Meredith and Ellis McDonald; Larkin and Harper Rieves; Harrison and Hank Loyd; and Amelia and Charlie Loyd.

The family wishes to thank his loyal and loving caregivers Cheryl Davies, Guillermina Mondragon, Fay Aaseth, Dorothy Tyler, Sharon James, and Sammie Green. They became his friends as much as caretakers. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Jack Burge and Marshall Sexton for their friendship and genuine concern.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Lakeside United Methodist Church followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 324 S. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Village, Arkansas 71653 or to your favorite charity.

CBS Evening News Focuses on Arkansas Fluoridation Issues

Billy Tarpley on July 15, 2025

“Eye on America” Segment Features ASDA President Dr. Kenton Ross

July 15, 2025 – CBS Evening News is scheduled to present a feature on Arkansas’ anti-fluoridation issues at 5:30 tonight. The network’s “Eye on America” segment will feature Dr. Kenton Ross talking about the recent legislation in Arkansas that would have overturned the state’s mandate that all water systems serving more than 5,000 customers provide fluoridation to therapeutic levels.

The ADA recently tracked multiple anti-fluoridation bills in 16 states, including Arkansas where at least 5 bills were defeated in the recent 95th General Assembly. Nearby in Oklahoma, however, the governor issued an executive order essentially stopping any state promotion of water fluoridation. Recent efforts by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. have led leaders in multiple states, including Utah and Florida, to review the use of fluoridation and its impact on health. ASDA will continue to monitor community water fluoridation (CWF) issues in Arkansas

Oklahoma Dental Association Challenges Push to Overturn Community Water Fluoridation

Billy Tarpley on July 8, 2025

Reprinted from ADA Morning Huddle, July 8, 2025:

Following Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s ‘Make Oklahoma Healthy Again’ initiative, many public health experts are weighing in on the importance of community water fluoridation.

Through the initiative, Gov. Stitt is directing the Oklahoma State Department of Health to stop recommending fluoride in public water systems, a move dentists are speaking out against. Tamara Berg, D.D.S., vice president of the American Dental Association and past president of the Oklahoma Dental Association, said removing fluoride from the water will result in more cavities, especially in rural and low-income populations.

“We don’t have the workforce to handle all the cavities that are there and by removing water fluoridation, we’re just going to see an increase and that’s going to make our dentists busier and make people suffer more and miss more days of school and out of work,” Dr. Berg said in an interview with News 4.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health said in a statement that while the decision to participate in water fluoridation in the state has always been made locally, it recognizes “there are evolving concerns about what constitutes a safe level while providing dental health benefits.” The ADA said it continues to support community water fluoridation as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay.

AMF Physicians Help Program aiding dentists in need

Billy Tarpley on June 27, 2025

The Arkansas Medical Foundation’s Physician Help Program offers confidential support to dentists and dental professionals experiencing burnout, mental health challenges, cognitive disorders, substance abuse issues, and other related difficulties which limit practice safety and uniquely affect health care professionals.

Self-reporting is encouraged, but employers, family members, patients and/or co-workers can also confidentially report their concerns about a health professional. Participants can rest assured that information used in this program remains completely confidential and shall not be subject to discovery or subpoena in a civil case and will be held in compliance with Federal and State regulations.

After an initial verification and interview process, eligible clients are then evaluated and prescribed to potential inpatient or intensive outpatient therapy in an approved hospital or treatment facility. After treatment, health care professionals usually re-enter practice within one to two weeks, with AMF acting as the client’s professional ally throughout and well after the process.

We encourage any and all dental health professionals who are struggling to seek help by taking advantage of this program.

For more information, visit the Arkansas Medical Foundation website.

OJT for Assistants, Botox Addressed at ASBDE Meeting

Billy Tarpley on June 13, 2025

The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners (ASBDE) met on June 4 in regular session. Here is the Rules & Regulations Committee report as provided by Dr. Allen Williams:

The rules and regulations committee met on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 6 PM via zoom. Those in attendance were Corneshia Harrison, Meredith Rogers, Board Attorney Jessica Kloss, Dr. Keith Jones, and Dr. Allen Williams.

The committee had 4 items on the agenda for discussion.

ITEM 1: OLD BUSINESS: REVIEW PROPOSED RULES ON TELEDENTISTRY

This is a proposed amendment to Dental Practice Act Article XXI

The Teledentistry amendment draft was originally constructed by previous board attorney Sara Farris in response to a change in state laws. The Telemedicine Act passed in 2017 (178401 of the Arkansas Code), and this amendment was created to update our rules to fall into compliance with that law. Board attorney Jessica Kloss wants to ensure no new or more recent telemedicine acts have been passed that would affect the language in this proposal. She also wants to review the proposal more closely to make sure that there aren’t any differences between this and the statue itself. It was tabled for further review and research and will be readdressed at subsequent meetings to ensure that the dental practice act follows state law.

ITEM 2: NEW BUSINESS: ADDITION OF RULES PERTAINING TO THE INJECTION OF BOTOX AND DERMAL FILLERS BY HYGIENISTS (POSSIBLE AMENDING ARTICLE XI)

Regarding Item 2, the rules and regulation committee unanimously agreed with the previous position of the members of this board, in that the board has no position other than those clearly written within the rules of the dental practice act, and no additional changes should be made at this time regarding this issue.

ITEM 3: ADDITION OF RULES REQUIRING CONTINUING EDUCATION PERTAINING TO HPV-RELATED OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER PREVENTION (POSSIBLY AMENDING ARTICLE XIV)

Regarding Item 3, the rules and regulations committee opted to consult with the Department of Health to investigate the alignment of this particular CE topic requirement of HPV education against neighboring states as well as the feasibility of passage before proceeding further.

ITEM 4: CLARIFICATION ON ARTICLE XVII CONCERNING ON-THE-JOB TRAINING FOR DENTAL ASSISTANTS

DUE TO THE RECENT RELEVANCE AND PAST RECURRENCY OF THIS ISSUE TO THIS BOARD, WE FELT THE ONUS TO PRESENT THE CURRENT STANDING AND INTENTION OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE IN SEEKING A TIMELY RESOLUTION

Regarding Item 4, Article XVII, section E of the dental practice act states: upon receipt of one or more of the 4 expanded function permits available within Arkansas, a dental assistant can then be considered a registered dental assistant with the board. The path of completion is clearly defined regarding expanded function permits pertaining to administration of nitrous oxide and sedation monitoring with state recognized courses or exams. However, for the expanded duties of radiography and coronal polishing, an “on the job training” route presents, widely known and recognized by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, as option B on the application for registration as a dental assistant in the state. This “on the job training” refers to an education course as approved by the board and proof of competency from an Arkansas licensed dentist (alluded to, but not directly written in Article XVII, Section E, subsection 2,3). By request to the board office, a longstanding “RDA packet” can be obtained and used as an approved curriculum to help dentists develop dental assistants for their own offices, reflective of the initial spirit of this additional legal pathway to registered dental assistant. However, some dentists and some “dental assistant schools” commercialized this opportunity to mass produce dental assistants, often at a significant tuition cost to these students without providing the appropriate training and skill development necessary of the position. This abuse has created chronic complaints to the board, in the past and present alike. Upon recommendation from the board attorney, additional research will be completed to determine the best course of action to enforce a board-approved course without completing rule changes and tampering with existing policies, with the hope of better oversight and application of the current language. This topic will be re-addressed in subsequent rules and regulations committee meetings before final presentation before the board for approval.

60 changes coming to CDT codes

Billy Tarpley on June 11, 2025

From ADA Morning Huddle, June 11, 2025:

CDT 2026, which includes 60 code changes, is available for preorder from the ADA Store. The updated manual boasts 31 additions, 14 revisions, six deletions and nine editorial changes. Some highlights include a sweeping overhaul of anesthesia codes and the addition of new codes for point-of-care saliva testing, cracked tooth testing, and the cleaning and inspection of an occlusal guard. All changes will become effective Jan. 1, 2026.
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FDA to pull prescription fluoride supplements from market

Billy Tarpley on May 16, 2025

From the ADA:

by Olivia Anderson
May 14, 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced May 13 that it plans to remove prescription fluoride supplements from the market once a safety review is completed. The ADA is affirming its support of fluoride supplements, which it said have proven to be effective at reducing tooth decay.

The FDA’s safety review applies to ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children. It does not include toothpaste, mouth rinses or topical products containing fluoride. In a news release following the announcement, the Association highlighted the fact that in many nonfluoridated communities and rural areas, fluoride supplements are the only chance for many to receive the appropriate amount of fluoride to prevent tooth decay.

“Proposals like this stand to hurt rural America, not make them healthier. More than ever, at this critical time in American health care policy, it is vital that we slow down to properly study the full implications of actions like this on the health of the nation,” ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., said.

The FDA said in its release that ingested fluoride has been shown to alter the gut microbiome, “which is of magnified concern given the early development of the gut microbiome in childhood.” However, the ADA said there is limited research on the studies of microbiome composition and fluoride association.

The two literature reviews the FDA does cite note a positive effect on the oral microbiome and both find that the effect on the gut microbiome may be positive as well at low doses, according to the ADA. Likewise, the review on fluoridated water and thyroid function showed no changes at low levels of fluoride as found in the U.S., and potentially positive association with goiter and hypothyroidism in both children and adults.

The Association emphasized that the recommended fluoride intake of 0.7 mg/L will likely not be met if fluoride supplements or tablets are banned because few over-the-counter dietary supplements contain fluoride, and many multivitamins only contain trace minerals.

“While community water fluoridation is the most efficient method to [prevent cavities], the substitution of alternative decay prevention like fluoride tablets or supplements are recommended to glean the proven systemic benefits fluoride provides,” the ADA said.

For more information, visit ADA.org/Fluoride.